INTRODUCTION xlix 



and Portsmouth in September 1685, whither the King went 

 to view the state of the fortifications, he recorded that * what 

 I observ'd in this journey, is that infinite industry, sedulity,, 

 gravity, and greate understanding and experience of affairs, 

 in his Majesty, that I cannot but predict much happiness to 

 ye nation, as to its political government ; and if he so persist, 

 there could be nothing more desir'd to accomplish our 

 prosperity, but that he was of the national church. ' Biassed 

 and prejudiced in the royal favour as he then temporarily 

 was, this account of King James proved so totally incorrect 

 that it is a wonder Evelyn retained it in the compilation 

 which he left as his Diary. The only explanation seems to 

 be that he wished to record his prevision as regards Roman 

 Catholicism proving the main rock upon which the King 

 might come to grief, as he afterwards did. 



Titus Gates' conspiracy and the Duke of Monmouth's 

 invasion and insurrection went by without affecting Evelyn 

 much. He was in the latter case called upon to supply a 

 mounted trooper, which he did rather grudgingly. * The 

 two horsemen which my son and myselfe sent into the 

 county troopes, were now come home, after a moneth's 

 being out to our greate charge. ' But what concerned him 

 much more was that matters frequently came before the 

 Commission of the Privy Seal to which he could not, on 

 religious grounds principally, give his assent. On such 

 occasions he would sometimes go to his house in the country, 

 * refusing to be present at what was to passe at the Privy 

 Scale the next day ', because any two out of the three Com- 

 missioners formed a quorum. At other times, however, he 

 had to face his responsibility properly, by refusing to put his 

 seal to the papers in question, while noting his objections to 

 the course of action proposed. The Papistry which was 

 spreading over the country under the King's influence seemed 

 to darken the land and to obscure the future. f Popish 

 Justices of the Peace establish'd in all counties, of the meanest 

 of the people ; Judges ignorant of the law, and perverting 

 it so furiously do the Jesuits drive, and even compel 

 Princes to violent courses, and destruction of an excellent 

 government both in Church and State. God of his infinite 

 mercy open our eyes and turn our hearts, and establish his 



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